One of the biggest, and most debated rumors within the last few years has been an Apple tablet, or touch-screen Mac. The rumor continuously garners vast speculation across almost every site that writes about Apple, even picking up mainstream attention. But as Apple continues to focus on global expansion, and subscription based revenue, increasingly powerful and less expensive iPhones may demolish the hopes of a tablet mac ever being released.
Amidst all of the independent beliefs, are a core group of users who could truly benefit from an official tablet Mac — teachers, students and the medical field in particular. Regardless of any alleged information that has been published, the only credible info leads to various prototypes floating around the Apple campus in Cupertino. Which is relatively vague when dealing with Apple rumors and products (even when from a credible source), as prototypes of almost anything can be behind Apple’s doors.
The idea that Apple would focus more on increasing its position with the iPhone, rather then entering a new (niche) tablet/touch market, makes a lot more sense to me. At Apple’s recent Q4 earnings results conference call, CEO Steve Jobs made a statement about Apple entering the tablet market.
Focusing on the netbook subject, Apple explained that not a lot of netbooks are being sold (comparatively), in this market. However Jobs mentioned that he definitely has some “interesting ideas” if this market happens to evolve. Continuing to push the iPhone as a mobile computing platform, Apple explains the iPhone is what they are offering in this “cheaper PC” category, MacBlogz previously explained.
These statements have been analyzed, dissected, and speculated about, to the point where the direct message seems to be getting lost in the lust over a new touch-screen mac. The direct message being that “The iPhone is what Apple is offering in the ‘cheaper PC’ category.” Regardless of what anybody thinks Jobs means by “interesting ideas,” chances are the company is focusing on increasingly powerful iPhones. Not the introduction of a brand new product.
As the iPhone continues to dominate, not only here in the states, but globally, both AT&T and Apple are breaking records and expanding their position on top of the industry. The iPhone is such a coveted device, and people continue to realize its true potential daily. Why bother with the introduction of a brand new niche tablet, or even the added strain of a tethering plan? As some would say, when you’ve got a winning team, let them play. The iPhone revenue model is such a juggernaut for Apple, that diverting resources to a niche market seems almost foolish. Increasing the iPhone’s global availability, dropping the price, adding more distribution centers, rolling out new models… This is what Apple should be spending their time and energy on, and probably is.
Before a tablet mac is released, expect to see multi-touch technology to have matured greatly. I find it safe to say that we will get at least 2 or 3 more new iPhone versions from Apple, with an increasingly powerful touch input OS, before we see a tablet mac. We can’t forget that the iPhone is Steve Jobs’ pet. Thinking about how powerful the iPhone can become is quite mind-boggling. But first, how about a little copy-and-paste?
8 Comments to “Could An iPhone Completely Replace a Tablet Mac?”
Makes sense to me. Only a few people would really buy a tablet mac. I think fanboys just want one REALLY badly.
Reply
I think you’re probably right about seeing a few more iPhones under Steve. Let’s hope it’s like 4 or 5 more though.
Reply
I think Steve’s gone by the end of 2009. He is fucking getting sick of doing these events. I can feel it.
Reply
For the sake of everyone (except Steve I guess), let’s hope you’re wrong.
Reply
foolish (is that your real name?)you got it all wrong in my opinion this events are making him stronger .:)
Reply
Are you kidding ?. The Wireless keyboard cannot work with iPhone!. Make that work and we can talk, Apple !. And I cannot even use my bluetooth headset to listen to podcasts … arrgh!
Reply
@Bluetooth Deficient: and… the touch screen keyboard would never work for more than iPhone. at least not for now.
Reply
Jobs will do what he does best…let the others in the industry work out the bugs and test their products out, let the users come up with a list of “gee I wish I had…”, then Apple comes in with a killer product (think iPod, iPhone, the newer iMacs, etc.) Gone are the days where Apple will try to be on the bleeding edge before anyone is ready (think Newton). They’re focused on the cutting edge instead. Tablet? Touch-screen Mac? Maybe…if and when the market is thirsty enough for another Apple killer.
Reply